Kevin Murphy's Summer of the Bear, authored by Leigh Arrathoon is the recipient of the 2007 State History Award for Publications: Books - Children and Youth. It is the first effort in an adventure-packed series of historical fiction. In this coming-of-age story, Kevin and his best friend, Brock Tomlinson, set out to spend the summer at the Tomlinson cabin in the Pigeon River Country State Forest. The French Canadian boy next door takes the boys on a canoe trip that they, and the readers, will never forget. The novel focuses on the aftermath of European-Native American contact, the meaning of the core democratic value of liberty, and the significance of becoming a responsible adult and good citizen. By setting her work in the 21st century, Arrathoon invites youngsters to grapple with the problems they will face in their lifetimes, while learning from the valuable lessons of history. The purpose of the book is to teach young readers about the histories, economies and customs of the Canadian fur traders, the big American trading companies and the Ojibwe Indians. Throughout the volume, Kevin discovers that becoming a man in our society is linked to the fundamental American concept of freedom with responsibility.

Dennis Allen, Book Review Editor, The Historical Society of Michigan, Chronicle, vol. 29, no. 2, Summer 2006, p.33.

This historical novel tells the adventure of a young boy coming of age in Michigan’s Pigeon River Country. A story that follows two young men, and their Native American guide on an adventure in northern Michigan, and includes murder, a vicious villain and an angry mother bear. Summer of the Bear is aimed at eighth grade level readers with an age-appropriate workbook available also. This Book is full of the history of the Ojibwe Indians and the Voyagers, and contains many interesting facts about the history of the fur trade that will intrigue readers of any age.

Dr. James McConnell, Editor, Ends and Beginnings: The Newsletter of the Michigan Council for History Education, Vol. XIII, No. 2, Jan. 2007, p. 4

Leigh Arrathoon has written a book that many middle school students will find useful in understanding key facts in Michigan history. Young Kevin Murphy joins with his friend Brock Tomlinson on a summer adventure in Michigan’s North country that brings to life the era of the fur traders and the Anishinabeg. Departing from their Detroit area homes, the two young boys travel to the Pigeon River region near the Straits of Mackinac. There they quickly join a young French-Canadian boy, Jean-Baptiste Vaillant, on a canoe voyage that recalls the experiences of the 18th-century voyageurs.

In this well-written account, Arrathoon weaves this modern account of life in northern Michigan with the historical events of the French voyageurs and their Native American allies. The book is very suitable for middle school students, who can easily identify with the concerns of the young boys who are the key characters in the story.

Kevin and Brock acquire insights into the cultures of both the voyageurs and the Anishinabeg as they deal with several crisis situations. The author brings a discussion of Core Democratic Values into the text, enhancing the potential educational value of this historical fiction account.

French colonization of the New World and their interactions with the Native American tribes are developed in the story. Also included are some Native American legends and stories from the French and Indian War era. The book concludes with a visit to Mackinac Island by the boys and their fathers.

The book includes several maps and a "Notes" section that provides extensive documentation and details. Two appendices offer information on federally recognized tribes in the United States and on the meanings of some French words. Also available is a Student Workbook prepared by Lynda Stierle.